On April 17, 2023, at about 5:58 a.m. officers responding to a shooting in the 3800 block of Woodhouse Lane found 23-year-old Ashton Nicole France Dudley and an adult man suffering gunshot wounds. Both were taken to a local hospital; Ashton died later that day and the male remained in critical condition. Investigators described the incident as a domestic violence situation and reported the two were married. Two children, ages two and three, were in the home during the shooting but were not physically harmed and were placed in protective custody.

Neighbors said the couple appeared happy and attentive to their children. Ashton, originally from Slidell, Louisiana, was a devoted mother and remembered for a vibrant personality; a GoFundMe was started to help with funeral expenses and the children’s support. No arrests have been announced and police say they are not seeking additional suspects as the investigation continues. If anyone has information about the events leading up to the shooting, please share it with investigators.